While MAVAP Phase I covered only 3 markets, MAVAP Phase II has expanded and covers a total of 15 markets of which one is in Mukono, about 12km along Kampala-Jinja Highway.
MAVAP started largely as an HIV prevention project. However, it has since evolved and through partnerships the project now provides a comprehensive range of HIV/AIDS services in the markets. MAVAP phase I started in December 2004 and ended in December 2007. Under phase I the vendors were able to access an integrated range of HIV services which include health information, voluntary counselling and testing, management of sexually transmitted infections and other opportunistic infections, and Anti Retroviral Therapy among others.
The second phase is a follow up of a successful implementation of phase I and it started in February 2008. Phase II is intended in ensuring that project activities that were implemented in phase I are consolidated in the three old markets, but also to replicated the HIV service model into 12 new markets over a period of five years. Replicating the project in other markets in Kampala is hoped to lead to more vendors to benefit from the project.
After one year of phase II, some results have been realised;
1. The Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) mass testing resulted in a high number of people getting tested. 8,184 (including 713 children) vendors got tested during these days as in addition to 8,861 vendors that were tested through the referral system. VCT is one of the effective recommended channels of prevention of HIV infection because when one gets to know ones status, one changes behaviour and this may contribute to the decline in the infection rates. In fact, there was a suggestion from the market vendors themselves through their local leaders that there should be more mass testing days organised by the MAVAP. In total 17,045 people were tested during 2008. If this figure is maintained per year throughout the project period (5 years) then the targeted figure of 30% of the market population shall be well exceeded to more than over 60%.
2. There was increased demand for condoms following training on correct and consistent use. Based on peer educators’ monthly report returns, demand for increased availability of condoms continues to appear top on the list of suggestions to improve the project. A sign of behaviour change.
3. There is evidence of improved capacity of the market leaders in managing Project issues and issues that affect their livelihood. This has been achieved due to the MAVAP capacity building programme
4. Maintaining the partnership with AIDS Health Foundation/Uganda Cares (AHF/UC) where Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services can be provided for those who need them is an important entry point in prevention as people are more inclined to go for VCT when they know they can get ART services should they need them. The MAVAP – AHF/UC partnership has been further strengthened through the joint mass testing drives on MAVAP days
5. There is improved performance following an increase in human resource, ratification of policies and procedures and improving on the skills of the staff to deliver services at the MAVAP secretariat.